Our Capital Campaign

In June of 2008 Imperial Theatre launched the $2.5 million Encore! Encore! Keep IT Live Capital Campaign.  With more than one million patrons through its doors since the Theatre’s grand re-opening in 1994 and more than 2000 performances, the toll on Imperial’s equipment, technology and premises has been significant. The Capital Campaign will fund repairs and upgrades necessary for our Theatre to remain a world-class performing arts venue, as well as ensure the Theatre’s longevity by building the Foundation's endowment fund.

Imperial Theatre is a not-for-profit organization and the volunteer boards of both the Theatre and its Foundation have done an outstanding job of balancing fiscal matters with Imperial Theatre’s mission and vision. Earned revenue (ticket sales, rentals, sponsorship, etc.) covers 60 percent of the day-to-day operations (a very high percentage for an arts organization) and the balance comes from government grants, private donations and grants from Imperial Theatre Foundation’s endowment fund. Unfortunately these funds are insufficient to cover the number of significant repairs and upgrades necessary for Imperial Theatre to continue serving as a top performing arts venue.

Our Needs

Urgent Capital Needs - $1.8 Million

• One of the most significant needs is the replacement of the stage house exterior cladding, which, due to the cladding product deficiency, is leaking and causing serious internal damage.
• Some of the capital projects have already been completed because of pressing circumstances, including the purchasing and installation of new sound, ticketing and hearing assist systems and even more recently new lobby and house lighting controls.
• Wear and tear and changes in technology logically figure in the need for a number of other repairs and replacements, which include the lighting system, seating, stage floor, washroom accessibility, carpeting and the air handling system.

Endowment Fund Growth - $700,000

• Imperial Theatre Foundation’s $1.25 million endowment provides an annual operations grant to the Theatre. The goal is to build that fund, providing a reliable and increasing source of revenue, making the Theatre less vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances.

Taken together, the capital and endowment elements in Imperial Theatre’s $2.5 million Keep It Live Capital Campaign will meet today’s needs and help ensure the Theatre’s continued viability well into the future.

View our Virtual Model of the Repairs and Upgrades needed at the Imperial Theatre.

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